"I heard the train horn for probably 15 seconds. We heard the boom and didn't think nothing of it until we heard the train slam on its brakes," said Michael Cundiff, who witnessed the crash.

It happened near Cundiff's family-owned business, and he headed straight for the tracks to see if he could help.

"I ran down there and went to the other side of the truck, saw that there was a person in there, checked his pulse and there was no pulse," said Cundiff.

Authorities said Downey was out working for the Ramsey Water Company, a job he'd been doing for more than 20 years.

"From what I was told, he was doing his normal work rounds," said Indiana State Police Trooper Chris Tucker.

Police said the train was heading west when it collided with Downey's truck.

Troopers said Downey pulled into its path.

"Based upon witness statements, the driver stopped at the stop sign, completely stopped, looked both ways and proceeded out onto the track. It's believed the driver did not see the train coming," said Tucker.

State police said the train sounded its horn as it headed for the intersection. It's in an area without flashing lights or a crossing arm.

"It probably should have the lights, but I hardly ever see anyone use that road anyway," said Malachi Wilson, who lives right next to the train tracks.

While he's known of several accidents happening in the area, he said this most recent is by far, the worst.

"I don't know why he didn't see or hear the train. I don't know if something was going on. I don't know," said Wilson.

State police said the speed limit for a train traveling through that area is 45 mph and the train was traveling just under that speed.

Copyright 2013 byWLKY.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.